A protest will take place outside the Dail later - calling on the Government not to touch the State pension - or any benefits for older people - in December"s budget. 

The rally is being organised by the trade union SIPTU - who say the majority of retired people depend on the State pension to keep them out of poverty and that any cut to its levels would have a devastating impact on older peoples’ lives.

There"s speculation the Government may cut or means test some pensioners" benefits in December"s budget - such as free travel and free TV licences. 

But SIPTU member Tim O"Reagan says older people have already paid for these things in the past: